Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 02/01/2020 PreS-Gr 1—Elmore is a porcupine who is content but not satisfied. He recently realized that he does not have a best friend and, unfortunately, he has no idea how to procure one. He goes to his grandfather for advice and the wizened porcupine tells him that finding a best friend just happens and that Elmore will "just know." Soon, Pinky the skunk becomes intrigued by Elmore's quest for a best friend. In a humorous exchange in the dead of night, the two decide that this hypothetical friend will definitely have to be nocturnal. In another encounter, Pinky saves Elmore from a potentially devastating showdown with an angry mother bear by spraying the area like only a skunk can. When Pinky explains to Elmore that bears can't stand the way skunks smell, Elmore tells her that he likes the smell. Later that day, Elmore bakes a blueberry pie and realizes that he wants Pinky to be the first to taste it. Eureka! He has found his best friend. VERDICT Hobbie ("Toot & Puddle" series) has rendered a worthy sequel to Elmore. Those searching for a quiet and tender read on making friends will appreciate this sweet offering.—Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/01/2020 Elmore, the lonely little porcupine who longed for friends (and found plenty) in Elmore (2018), now wants a best friend. After asking his uncle for advice and getting sage but relatively useless responses, such as “It just happens” and “Be patient,” Elmore confides in Pinky the skunk as they ramble about the countryside. Pinky suggests a nocturnal best friend, to keep Elmore company at night. When the porcupine encounters a rambunctious bear cub and his fiercely protective mother, Pinky saves the day with his trademark smell. The bears retreat and grateful Elmore soon realizes that he already has a special friend. Pinky agrees to be his bestie. It’s a gentle tale with quiet dialogue, a bit of excitement, and a reassuring ending. While two illustrations show the friends at night, these nocturnal animals appear mainly in sunlit scenes. But that won’t deter young children from feeling Elmore’s initial longing or enjoying his eventual happiness. Portraying animals living in cozy homes, the artwork features soft colors and amiable characterizations. An appealing picture book. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.